THE FUTURE FOR FRENCH CIRCUSES

Source: The Associated Press, 2021. All rights reserved.

Translation: “Animals are not toys”

By Emily Sulkey, GSP Blog Team Contributor

March 2, 2021

The majority of European countries have decided to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. France, however, has not made such changes. This has been a hot topic in the country since last year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that it has imposed upon circuses.

An animal welfare bill has already passed the lower chamber vote and is now being reviewed by the Senate. This bill would not only prohibit wild animal use in circuses as well as in television shows, private parties, and nightclubs, but it would also ban the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity in France’s marine parks. In addition, it would demand that new pet owners obtain certificates to prove that they are suitable to care for an animal. However, permanent shows and zoos would not be affected. This would be a huge step forward for the wellbeing of animals throughout the country.

However, not everyone is a fan of this idea. William Kerwich, director of the Royal Circus located in Senas, France, has voiced his concerns that his career may be in jeopardy. He is also the president of the circus animal union. Kerwich mentioned that he would like to come to some sort of compromise with lawmakers: “We would be willing to do even more because animal welfare has become such a big societal issue, but we cannot simply prohibit animals, this is death for us.”

Kerwich’s daughter Cassandra, who has performed with the circus her entire life, said that the circus animals are treated very well: “They're part of the family. The hippo is the same age as my little brother. I grew up with it.”

The Royal Circus, along with many others, has also been hit hard by the COVID-19. Kerwich said that, during the spring lockdown, he received financial support from the state at a meager amount of two euros a day per animal.

So, what does all of this mean for the future of French circuses? At the moment, the situation remains uncertain. It seems that the tight restrictions being imposed upon them will greatly limit their capabilities, and this could pose a significant threat to the careers of those who work in the circus industry.